Fast Facts
This page combines industry data, research, and FanDuel insights to explain the realities of modern sports betting.
We believe transparency starts with understanding our approach. FanDuel’s goal is to provide customers with a fun way to connect more deeply with the sports and teams they care about.
At FanDuel, we’re all about making sports more fun and interactive—bringing the same energy of being at a live game right to fans. We’re always looking for new ways to help people connect with their favorite teams and events while encouraging healthy play habits along the way.
How do legal sports betting markets compare to unregulated ones?
Legal, regulated markets are designed to be safer, more transparent, and more accountable than unregulated alternatives—while also generating tax revenue for states.
In regulated markets such as FanDuel, there are:
- Built-in consumer protections, including secure access to funds and RG tools
- Anti-money laundering and compliance protocol, including geolocation tech
- Meaningful tax revenue benefits that support public programs
Unregulated markets don’t offer these safeguards, transparency, or economic benefits.

How much do people typically spend on sports betting?
For most customers, sports betting is a discretionary form of entertainment. Only about 7% of households are bettors and average deposits are around $102 per quarter (less than 1% of income), like the cost of a ticket to a basketball game or concert.
On FanDuel:
- The average Same Game Parlay bet is about $14
- 90% of Same Game Parlays are $30 or less and 60% are $5 or less
- The average Sportsbook user deposits less than once a week
Spending on gambling has stayed consistent as a share of total consumer spending, according to the Progressive Policy Institute. This suggests households aren’t dedicating a larger portion of their budgets to it over time.

What steps has FanDuel taken to prevent underage users from accessing its platform?
Creating a FanDuel account is like creating a bank account. Users need to supply their name, date of birth and a social security number. Additionally, all customers must complete a thorough identity verification process.
FanDuel has a zero-tolerance policy for underage gambling. We use monitoring tools to detect potential account misuse or signs of underage gambling, and immediately close accounts found to be used for underage or proxy betting, reporting cases to law enforcement or regulators as required.
Through our Trusted Voices initiative, we also provide resources for parents, teachers, and coaches to have informed conversations with teens about the risks of gambling.

Does FanDuel use algorithms to serve customers with bets they should place?
No. FanDuel does not use algorithms to recommend specific bets or tell customers what they should wager on.
Our algorithms help us understand platform activity, anticipate seasonal trends, and most importantly, identify potential responsible gaming concerns so we can provide appropriate support.
Our technology is designed to protect customers and enhance their experience—not to influence their betting decisions.

How does FanDuel identify customers who exhibit signs of problem play?
FanDuel offers an array of player tools that empower customers to set their own limits and alerts to help prevent harm before it occurs.
Beyond these self-management features, we use machine learning and risk scoring to monitor behavioral patterns like unusual deposits, excessive time on site, chasing losses, and concerning customer service interactions.
Once flagged, individuals are reviewed manually by a team of trained professionals who have set criteria to determine if a customer is at risk of gambling harm.
Depending on the result of the review, customers may be given RG education, have limits placed on their account, or be excluded from FanDuel entirely. We also connect at-risk customers to free mental health resources through partners like Kindbridge Behavioral Services.

How does sports betting impact a state’s financial health?
Overall, sports betting functions as a form of entertainment that contributes to state economies. Legalized markets have added an estimated $12.4 billion to GDP from 2019 to 2024. Legal sports betting also generates tax revenue for states, which can be directed toward public services such as education and local community development.
At the same time, legalization shifts activity into regulated markets, which improves transparency and supports job creation in related industries.

How does sports betting advertising compare to other industries?
Sports betting ads make up a relatively small—and shrinking—share of overall advertising. Ad volume has actually declined 9% year-over-year and is now nearly 50% lower than in 2021.
For every sports betting ad on TV, there are:
- More than 4 telecom ads
- Around 39 pharmaceutical ads


